Following the closure of a someone disappointing and unpredictable head season, junior athletes and coaches alike will be eager to showcase the results of their winter training at one of the first regattas of the 2023/2024 season. An impressive 12 women’s junior 16 eights will tackle the 2000 metre course at Dorney Lake on the 5th May. I am certain this will be an impressive display of junior women’s rowing, and that the margins are set to be extremely narrow.
Henley Rowing Club
Just last weekend, at the 2024 Junior Inter Regional Regatta, Henley Rowing Club marked themselves as ones to watch, not only at Wallingford Regatta but on the wider national stage, as they emerged victorious by over ten seconds in the WJ16 8+ category. The crew finished a highly commendable second place in the Schools’ Head of the River race 2024, just 0.1 seconds ahead of rivals Headington School, who they will be facing again at Wallingford. This sets us up for an epic showdown between two richly-talented boats. The Henley crew possesses an impressive level of regatta experience, and is stroked by Butterworth, who featured in the silver medal-winning WJ15 8+ at National Schools’ Regatta 2023. On the sculling side, Henley once again demonstrated their prowess at the Oarsport Junior Sculling Head, as their ‘A’ crew took the win and their second boat finished fifth. I believe this demonstrates the caliber of athlete Henley has on board this season, and therefore I consider Henley as the crew to beat.
Headington School
I believe the Headington J16 squad is one of the largest and strongest we have seen in a few years. The desire for success seems insatiable year-on-year, and Wallingford Regatta will be a good opportunity for these girls to demonstrate that. Their J16 eight may contain the likes of R.Wallwork, an up-and-coming J16 athlete and U19 triallist with a WEHORR victory under her belt already this season. The two eights they have entered doubles their chances of success. The narrative between Headington, Henley and upstarts like Surbiton is fascinating to watch; the constant interchanging between these boats throughout the season sets us up for a fantastic contest on the Dorney straights this weekend. I believe Headington will want to snatch a hard-earned victory from Henley, and it will be exciting to see whether they will be able to achieve this.
Surbiton High School
With an entry of three eights from Surbiton High School Boat Club, they have marked themselves as ones to watch out for, if only for the sheer depth they appear to possess. They have been amongst the strongest clubs all season, but so often falling just short at the highest level. This was demonstrated in a tough race at Hammersmith and Quintin Heads, where they collected two silver medals, before repeating the trick at the Junior Inter Regional Regatta representing Thames London. Their personal desire to climb the top step of the podium must be immense.
Notable Mentions
With a vast array of reputable names entered, it’s difficult to assess how the day will pan out. Some other clubs to watch out for include Godolphin and Latymer School Boat Club and St Pauls Girl’s School Boat Club, who will also be looking for a commendable finish position.
Prediction
I predict another win for Henley Rowing Club, the reigning champions in this category at Wallingford Regatta, followed by Headington School and then Surbiton High.
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